From private dinner cruises to self-drive boat hire, spend some time on the River Ouse to see the sights of York from a different perspective. Here is a selection of boat trips in York.
Jumping on a river cruise is a great way to explore York and spend time with friends and family. When it comes to boat trips, York has plenty of options. Here we have rounded up the best York river cruises for you to choose from.
River Ouse City Cruise
45-minute river cruise | Live commentary | Access to on-board facilities (bar, restroom)
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The River Ouse City Cruise offer an excellent opportunity to see the historic city of York from a different perspective. The friendly and knowledgeable team guides you leisurely up and downstream to take in the scenery.
There is an upper deck to get an even better view and a fully stocked bar to enjoy drinks and snacks. The cruise takes you on a route heading upstream to Clifton Bridge on the northern outskirts of York city and then downstream to Millennium Bridge on the city’s southern outskirts before finally returning upstream to the original landing stage. Find more information and book your tickets here
River Ouse Early Evening Cruise
45-minute river cruise | Live commentary | Access to onboard facilities (bar, rest room)
If it’s an evening river cruise in York you are after, this 1-hour early evening cruise is just perfect. Enjoy drinks and snacks from the onboard bar as you are entertained with live commentary as you pass the sights. In addition, you will learn about York’s history of flooding and its prosperity as an inland port as you sail along the river. Find more information and book your tickets here.
River Ouse Party Cruise
3-hour river cruise | A welcome drink of sparkling wine | Two-course buffet dinner | DJ music | Free entry to Revolution York (subject to availability)
If you are visiting York for something to celebrate, the River Ouse Party Cruise is an excellent option for a special night out. Just be sure to bring ID with you.
The boat trip is spacious and comfy, and you are welcomed on by the crew with a glass of Prosecco ready for you. You get a reserved table where you can tuck into some mouth-watering party food can purchase drinks from the fully-stocked bar. There is an onboard DJ where you can request your favourite songs and take in the sights from the water. Find more information and book your tickets here.
Bishopthorpe Palace Christmas Cruise
1-hour river cruise | Learn about Bishopthorpe Palace | Enjoy a hot drink and mince or apple pie | Christmas music
York is one of our favourite places to enjoy Christmas shopping; the Bishopthorpe Palace Christmas Cruise is an ideal way to break up the day and learn about Bishopthorpe Palace. Your ticket includes hot drinks such as tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and mince or apple pie. This one-hour York river cruise features live commentary and Christmas songs to get you into the spirit! You will leave from the old port district at King’s Staith and head underneath the Millennium Bridge before leaving the city’s outskirts. You will then sail past the site of the Battle of Fulford; make sure to look out for wildlife as you drift downstream to the village of Bishopthorpe, the official residence of the Archbishop of York. A fully stocked bar serves beers, wines, spirits, soft drinks, hot drinks and snacks throughout the journey. Find more information and book your tickets here.
City Cruises York, Self-Drive Boat Hire
1-hour self-drive boat hire | Holds Max. 8 Passengers | Safety briefing given
Fancy a self-drive river cruise in York? You can do that with City Cruises York, Self Drive Boat Hire. It’s a great way to spend time together and explore York. The boats accommodate up to eight people. You will receive complete instructions on operating your motorboat and safety and river rules. Life jackets are provided for children. The boats are available to hire from 10 am and a min. £40 returnable security deposit is to be paid before hire. Find more information and book your tickets here.
Private Charter City Cruises York, River Duchess
Accommodates 30-60 people | Private hire | From £200 per hour
Fancy celebrating an occasion in style? Why not hire the River Duchess and share your special event with friends and family? This boat is beautifully furnished and functional in the stunning City of York.
There is a fully stocked bar on board, and the open layout ensures this boat trip is ideal for smaller groups and informal groups for any occasion. In addition, this is the most accessible boat they offer for disabled customers, with a ramped entrance, one-level flooring and an accessible toilet. As such, the River Duchess is a perfect private charter option for groups who would require wheelchair access.
Their fleet of available boats can accommodate from 20 to 120 guests, and their team will help you choose which boat, food, boarding drinks, entertainment and decorations are perfect for you. So enjoy your night as you cruise along the stunning River Ouse. Find more information here.
York Afternoon Tea River Cruise
The York Afternoon Tea Cruise was a popular trip combining a sightseeing tour with traditional afternoon tea. Currently, this trip is no longer taking place. However, we will list the full details here if it becomes available again. You can find previous reviews here.
Let us know in the comments if you have every tried one of these river cruises or boat trip in York.
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